Sisters

Many of you know I'm a big fan of The Pioneeer Woman.  This week on Pioneer Woman Photography she is hosting a contest for photos of "Sisters."  Now as she mentions, and we all know, there are many women in your life that can qualify as sisters who may not actually be your blood sisters.  I grew up without sisters, although I love my brothers, I always missed out on having a sister.

So it got me thinking about all the ladies in my life who have meant so much to me.  I've always gotten along with boys a little bit better because I'm a bit of a Tom Boy, but there are some woman that I just couldn't live without.

The more I researched on my computer though, the more I realized I don't have pictures of myself with these women, or even pictures of them at all!  Many of these pictures are buried somewhere in our house and not digital.  Many of them I'm the one holding the camera, or, embarrassingly enough, I just didn't take a picture!!  While researching this I realized that I don't even have pictures of just me with my sister in laws.  Now maybe this is a sneaky conspiracy on their part to avoid my camera (I'm catching on Pockets and Olie).  But this is just sad folks.  Why did I not take the time at a photoshoot, wedding, or get together to turn the camera around and document a time with these ladies I love?  Things are gonna start to change, and I'm warning all you ladies out there...be prepared.

SO here are a few of the ones I could find on my laptop.  NOTE: If you are not in this selection it does NOT mean I don't love you or consider you my sister.  It means I either didn't take a picture with you recently, or it's buried in my basement.  Perhaps I will do a little digging and scanning and find a few of these blasts from the past.  There may be an update to this post comin' your way shortly.  Until then, enjoy these.

If you have a lovely lady that has meant a lot to you in your life, feel free do a shout out in the comments.  I'd love to hear your stories and adventures.

Anniversary Party

Last Tuesday before I got the Plague, I was invited to take pictures of my Aunt and Uncle's Anniversary Party.  It was a great time and we had several opportunities to take some much needed family pictures. 

It was one of those classic summer parties, there was seafood, laughter, kids, kisses, hugs, big kids eating baby food (do not try that at home), lightening bugs, prayers, Eskimo kisses, and lots of Red Light Green Light.  But most importantly we were able to celebrate what a wonderful couple my Aunt and Uncle are, and the great example they have set for all of us.

Thank you both for letting me take photos of you (thanks to your sneaky daughter) and more importantly thank you for being a wonderful Aunt and Uncle to me.  Aunt Carol thank you for encouraging my love of art and photography, for being willing to make mud pies with me at the cabin, for nursing me when I inevitably would fall down your basement stairs, and for being my name's sake.  Uncle Walt, thank you for teaching me how to fish and your patience when I caught fish and you didn't, thank you for teaching me your love of nature and letting me quietly enjoy it with you, and thank you for always sharing your stories with me and being willing to listen to mine in return.  I love you both and I hope you enjoy the photos!

Father's Day

My Dad is a Giver, he is one of the most giving people I know.  As I have grown up he has constantly battled to balance family, work, and everything in between, like most father's do, but it was never a question who came first.  When I was growing up, my Father was always there to laugh with me, hold me when I was upset, to give advice, to tickle me out of a bad mood, to hold my hand through a migraine, and to walk me down the aisle. My Dad is a Provider.  During college, I would undoubtedly find a $20 bill in my pocket, or bag on my way back to school.  Whenever someone in my family mentions something they like, it inevitably finds it's way to them on their birthday or Christmas.   Beyond providing for me, giving me food and shelter, my Dad gave me his undivided attention and his unconditional love.  There was never a doubt in my mind that when I called at 3:30 AM to cry about breaking up with my boyfriend in college (who was actually Speed Racer, but as you see everything worked out) that Dad would pick up the phone and listen.  He was there through countless ER visits, boyfriends, travels, track meets, bad grades, and migraines.

My Dad is also a teacher.  He taught me how to tie my shoes, he taught me to spell, he taught me to drive and to drive a manual, he taught me public speaking, he taught me to believe in the Deep Magic,  but most of all he taught me how to love others.  My Dad gives beyond himself to his family, friends, and church members.  And I have striven to be like him.  He gave me the tools to build a home, to nurture a marriage, to raise our future children, and to love those around me.  He taught me that love matters most of all.

But above all my Dad is MY Dad.  I could not ask for a more loving, devoted, giving, teaching Father.  I am reminded, especially now that I live farther away, each time that I see his wonderful smile or hear his hearty laugh...how truly blessed I am.  Happy Father's Day Daddy.

(Photos provided by Fred Bowman, Emily McAlpine, Barbara Heckman, and some unknown family member...most likely my Mom)

Summer Portrait Special

I'm doing a Summer Portrait Special!  Memorial Day has come and gone, the pools are open, school is almost out, summer is beginning, and I'm ready to take pictures of you enjoying it!  I'm offering a one hour Portrait session for $98.99 at any location you choose.  With this session you get 1 8x10, 3 5x7s, and 8 wallets.  This session is for families, friends, senior portraits, couples, kids, babies, and pets!  I have many print sizes and types to choose from if you'd like a different look.  Interested?  Contact me at runawayalice@gmail.com, or 540.460.2691.

Don't live in Knoxville but still want to partake in the Summer Portrait Special?  Not a problem, just add the cost of gas (and room if you live really far away!) and I'll come to  you.

Here are a few samples from previous Portraits I've done: